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Baptists/matthew 13:12
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Question
Could you please explain this verse to me. I never seem to understand the meaning behind it.
Hi Adam,
This is a parable used to illustrate a truth. Jesus in verse 11, told His disciples that it was given to them to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to the others (unbelieving Jews who were rejecting Him) the understanding of these things was not given.
The verse presents the universal principle that the person who receives a lot normal will receive more. In other worlds if you use the knowledge you have and apply it it will natural cause you to learn more.
The disciples had the privilege of being taught by Christ and if they used and applied that knowledge they were given, more would be also given. You learn your ABCs you can learn to read.
To the one who had not, refers to the Jews who could have had the knowledge of who Jesus was, but rejected Him as their Messiah. They saw His mirages and heard His message, but they did not believe it or allow it to grow into salvation. The Jews knew there was coming a Messiah and had the knowledge of the Old Testament prophecies. Yet, on knowing these things, they refused to believe that Jesus Christ their Messiah. They did not apply what they knew and lost being a part of the Kingdom of heaven.
These therefore would lose everything. Because they would not apply the knowledge that had, they would lose what the knowledge brought which was salvation and the advantage of being born Jews and knowing the Old Testament prophecies, plus the advantage of being God's chosen people. I hope this helps. If you have further questions or comments please write.
Cooper Abrams
http://bible-truth.org
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Answers by Expert:
Cooper P. Abrams III
Expertise
Independent Fundamental Baptist missionary and pastor, ThB, MBS. I began pastoring in 1981, and have taught in churches, a Bible college, and a Bible Institute. I have written numerous articles on various subjects from a biblical perspective and many are posted on my web site Bible Truth ( http://www.bible-truth.org ). Bible Truth receives over sixty thousand visits per month. Since 1998 I have answered Bible related questions via e-mail. My answers are straight forward and biblical. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE -----DO NOT ASK A QUESTION AND THEN NOT READ THE ANSWER! ABOUT FOUR IN TEN QUESTIONS ASKED ARE NEVER READ. I FREELY GIVE MY TIME TO GIVE HELPFUL ANSWERS. OFTEN THE ANSWER WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH AS A HOUR OR MORE TO RESEARCH AND THEN TO FORMULATE THE REPLY. IF YOU SEND A QUESTION PLEASE BE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. MOST PEOPLE DO...BUT ALL SHOULD. THANKS
Experience
I have been a pastor since 1981 and a Independent Baptist missionary church planter since 1986. I have seen the Lord establish four Bible believing churches in Utah. My web site Bible Truth ( http:\\bible-truth.org ) continues to grow presently over 60,000 visits per month. The materials on the web site are mostly written by myself and contain sermons, Bible commentaries, articles on various biblical subjects.
Publications
- Appeared on Grizzly Adams DVD documentary "End Times: How Close Are We?" (http://www.grizzlyadams.com/Public/ChristianDVDs/index.cfm?productID=49).
- Article "Are Mormons Christians" "O Timothy Magazine" Way of Life Literature (http://www.wayoflife.org/files/9959c77e05b303248173195e72476459-60.html)
Education/Credentials
ThB and MBS from Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC
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